The earthquake, which took place about 82 kilometers (51 miles) northwest of Kathmandu, has reportedly caused severe damage in the city and triggered an avalanche in Mount Everest. Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport has been closed.
At least four people have so far been confirmed killed, the CNN-IBN television channel reported.
Landmark #Dharahara crumbles! #Kathmandu #earthquake #Nepal pic.twitter.com/ctBFWFfYvW
— Gargi Rawat (@GargiRawat) 25 апреля 2015
Tremors of the earthquake could also be felt in neighboring India, where a teenage girl was reportedly killed when a building collapsed.
#Dharahara (Bhimsen Tower) the 19th century, 9-storey tall tower in #Kathmandu, has collapsed b/c #Nepalquake #Nepal pic.twitter.com/A7tbEx3RIv
— Stefan Simanowitz (@StefSimanowitz) 25 апреля 2015
Due to the lack of beds at local hospitals, people are being treated on roads which have been turned into makeshift hospitals, Sputnik’s India correspondent reports.
I meditated in these temples everyday. Now they are gone. So sad. #Nepal #Nepalquake Sending metta and prayers. pic.twitter.com/cLaOS6uYGf
— This American Sadhu (@AmericanSadhu) 25 апреля 2015
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called an emergency meeting to assess the situation, according to Home Ministry sources interviewed by Sputnik.
We are in the process of finding more information and are working to reach out to those affected, both at home & in Nepal.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 25 апреля 2015
The European Mediterranean Seismological Centre initially reported the magnitude of the earthquake to be 7.5 but shortly revised it to 7.8, while the US Geological Survey has assessed its magnitude as 7.9.
